Media watchdog throws out defamation cases of ex-presidents

Broadcasting Commission threw out the cases filed over the defamation of two former presidents, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom and Mohamed Nasheed, by a news broadcasted by state run channel Television Maldives (TVM).

In their statement issued regarding the matter, Broadcasting Commission said that despite the authority of media watchdogs to look into such matters, both former presidents have publicly tweeted that they do not want to file any defamation cases. Hence, the commission does not wish to initiate the matter when the case was not filed by the two former presidents themsevles.

Previously, a supporter of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had filed this defamation case at Maldives Police Service as well. However, he later withdrew it.

The report broadcasted by TVM altered the meaning of tweets posted by the two former presidents, drawing heavy criticism from the public. Afterwards the report was taken down from the official website of Public Service Media (PSM) as well.